Originally from Houston, Texas, Mike began studying music formally at the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, a school that is renowned for its musical alumni, which include names as Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Beyonce, Brian Michael Cox, Eric Harland, Chris Dave, and Kendrick Scott.

After graduating High School, Mike quickly moved to New York City to attend the New School University with the highest scholarship the school had ever given to a guitar player. He soon began playing gigs, working his way into the New York Jazz scene. After several years of paying dues with many bands around town, Mike gained the recognition needed to be called to perform and tour with some of the biggest names in the jazz world. -[Biography]-